Northville to stage Tour de Ville for bike riders

The Northville Rotary Club, in conjunction with the University of Michigan –Northville Health Center is presenting the “Tour de Ville Bicycle Ride.” Rotarians and residents Patrick Giesa (from left) DJ Boyd and John Kelly are organizing the ride that will travel along Hines Drive.

With three routes along Hines Drive highlighting the Tour de Ville, this new event expects to be a fun and healthy way for bicyclists of all ages and abilities to enjoy an early fall bike ride.

The Northville Rotary Club, in conjunction with the University of Michigan, Northville Health Center is presenting the "Tour de Ville Bicycle Ride". Organizers hope this can turn into an annual event.

"We want Tour de Ville(TdV) to appeal to everyone, from families to seasoned bicyclists," said Co-Organizer and Northville resident/Rotarian John Kelly, who is working with fellow Rotarians Patrick Giesa and DJ Boyd to make this happen.

The ride consists of 10, 30 and 75 mile routes. All three will follow historical Hines Drive and begin at Northville Downs.

"The 10 mile and 30 mile routes are out-and-back rides along Hines Drive. The 75 mile route will follow Hines Drive, Outer Drive and Jefferson Avenue, to Gross Isle and back," according to Kelly.

Planners said proceeds from this event will benefit Rotary efforts in the local community and around the world.

Rotary International (RI) is largely responsible for the near global eradication of polio and also works diligently to provide clean water, improved education and fight hunger globally.

"Locally, we make significant, annual contributions to scholarships at Northville High School and to the local food bank, Civic Concern," Kelly said. "Northville Rotary Club also sponsors local exchange students both in and out of the country. Currently two Northville High Students are studying abroad (Brazil, Germany) and our club will be sponsoring an inbound student (Germany) this August."

Event information

Planners said the east foyer of the Northville Downs Racetrack will house the TdV registration area, a food court and a TdV Expo Area for its sponsors. Parking is also provided at the Downs. Two SAG wagons (food and equipment) will be on the course at all times.

The TdV course opens at 7:30am and starts at the northeast entrance to Northville Downs Racetrack (intersection of Griswold and Beal streets). A light breakfast will be available at the start. Rest stops will be stationed every 12-16 miles.

Fruit, energy foods, water and sport drinks will be provided at the rest stops. A hearty pasta lunch will be served at the Downs to any rider with a numbered TdV bib placket (bib plackets are part of a rider's pre-registration packet or by signing up the day of the ride).

A TdV T-shirt will be automatically included in each pre-registered packet. T-shirts and bike jerseys will be on sale the day of the event.

D & D Bicycles of Northville is donating a 2014 Trek 1.2 C road bike to be raffled off in their store at the end of the ride. The bicycle is on display at their Northville store. $10.00 raffle tickets can be purchased at any of the five D & D Bicycle stores throughout southwestern Michigan.

TdV takes place at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. The ride coincides with Northville's annual Victorian Festival weekend. Ages 8 on up are welcome to ride.